University of New Hampshire forward Dan Correale, front, reacts following his second-period goal during Saturday’s Hockey East game against Merrimack College at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester.
John Carden photo

Elevated freshman Correale gives UNH needed spark

By Al Pike

Foster's Daily Democrat

January 28, 2013 - 2:00 AM

MANCHESTER — As a freshman with one of the top programs in the country, Dan Correale is happy to be in the University of New Hampshire lineup on a regular basis.

His excitement reached another level Saturday after learning he'd be skating left wing on the first line with sophomore Grayson Downing and senior Austin Block for that night's game against Merrimack.

The trio combined for three goals and three assists. Downing had a goal and two assists and Block finished with a goal and an assist. Both contributed to Correale's goal, the first of his college career.

"They're both great hockey players," Correale said. "It gives you a little extra boost before the game and keeps your legs under you for the whole game. You don't really get tired. You're trying to keep up with those guys and make plays with them. It was a good opportunity for me and I just tried to run with it."

Did he ever. Correale responded with his first college goal, which turned out to be the game-winner in UNH's much-needed, 6-2 victory at Verizon Wireless Arena.

His goal was part of a balanced offense in which six players scored goals and 11 had at least one point

After dressing for nine of the first 15 games, Correale has appeared in the last seven. In addition to scoring on a rebound with 1:02 left in the second period that gave UNH a 3-1 lead, he also helped set up the first Wildcat goal be drawing a penalty on Merrimack's Kyle Singleton for holding.

The Warriors were soon called for another infraction and Block scored on the power play with the Wildcats two men up.

With the score 1-1, defenseman Connor Hardowa scored the go-ahead goal at 12:23 of the second period on another power play.

Correale and classmate Collin MacDonald, playing on the second line with junior Kevin Goumas and senior John Henrion, each scored in the final 1:02 of the second to make it 4-1 going into the third period.

"It's nice to play with a lead, especially going into intermission like that," Correale said. "There's a big difference between 3-1 and 4-1."

MacDonald's goal was also the first of his career. He converted a pass from Trevor van Riemsdyk as time expired in the second period.

It was the third of four assists for the sophomore defenseman, who was named the game's MVP.

"Those were definitely nice," van Riemsdyk said of the late goals. "It gave us a little bit of a cushion so we could play hard and smart in the third period, and get out of here with a win."

Correale's move up to the first line was one of several changes coach Dick Umile made following Friday night's 3-2 loss at Merrimack.

Forwards Nick Sorkin and Jay Camper were scratched as was freshman defenseman Brett Pesce. Sorkin and Pesce have been battling hand injuries.

Freshman Harry Quast took Pesce's place on the blue line, making his first appearance since the season-opener against St. Cloud State.

"It didn't make any difference what line you were on, just get out there and compete," Umile said. "That was the theme (Saturday night) — get out there and play."

Sophomore Casey DeSmith was also back in goal after sitting out Friday's game. The Rochester native had been pulled in two of his previous three starts.

He returned to form Saturday with 35 saves, including 16 in the second period. Going into Friday's game, DeSmith had made 42 consecutive starts dating to last season.

He improved his record this year to 14-4-2.

"It's a long season," van Riemsdyk said. "There's going to be peaks and valleys. It's kind of how you deal with that adversity. Casey is a hard-working kid. I think we were all confident that he would bounce back."

DeSmith helped the Wildcats snap a two-game losing streak. They had also lost three of their last four and struggled in recent years against Merrimack, going 1-5-1 in their previous seven games against the Warriors.

"You can't expect him to be on his game every game," Correale said of DeSmith, "but he's brought it most of the season so far and we're comfortable with him in goal as always. It was good for our team."

So was the pre-game chat with captain Connor Hardowa and alternate captain Brett Kostolansky, who emphasized to their teammates the importance of Saturday's game and breaking out of their mini-slump.

"The captains took charge of this game," Umile said. "They got it together and did what they had to do."

With league-leading Boston College getting swept by Maine over the weekend, the Hockey East standings grew even tighter with just five points separating first place from sixth.

UNH is tied for second with Boston University, two points behind BC. The Wildcats have two games in hand on the Eagles and one on the Terriers.

"It's good to see that about our team character," van Riemsdyk said of Saturday's bounce-back win. "We've got good leadership in our locker room with our captains. They kind of pulled us all together and rallied the troops.

"We understand the importance of these games," van Riemsdyk added, "and we came out with a strong effort."